In support of research examining relationships between learner characteristics and the quality of online discussions, this paper surveys different methods for evaluating discussions. The paper will present coding methods used in our own research as well as methods used by others interested in quality online discussions. Key topics include what constitutes quality in online discussions and how that quality can be measured?

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Defining and Measuring Quality in Online Discussions

Alexandru Spatariu is a Ph. D. student in Learning and Technology at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas and holds a Master’s degree in Educational Psychology from the University of Northern Iowa. Alexandru may be contacted at spatariu@unlv.edu.

Kendall Hartley is an Assistant Professor of Educational Computing & Technology at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas and may be contacted at khartley@unlv.edu.

Lisa D. Bendixen is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Educational Psychology at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas. Her interests focus on epistemological beliefs (beliefs about knowledge) and how they relate to and influence, learning, cognition, teaching, and teacher education. Lisa may be contacted at libendixen@ccmail.nevada.edu.